Is this about 2027? Jonathan’s cryptic message sparks speculation

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

Former President Goodluck Jonathan has cautioned Nigerians against allowing wealth to distort their perception of character, stressing that true integrity is revealed when individuals are empowered.

In a reflective social media post shared on his verified Instagram account on Thursday, Jonathan wrote: “No one is perfect until they’ve been given the opportunity. Don’t call a poor man good until he has money, because sometimes the good you seek is the bad you see. Don’t let money buy your mind.”

The post, which garnered over 4,800 likes within three hours, has sparked thoughtful engagement online, with many interpreting it as a commentary on the fragile link between poverty, morality, and public trust.

Jonathan’s statement appears to challenge the common tendency to idealise the poor or underprivileged as inherently virtuous—arguing instead that true character can only be measured when individuals are tested with power or wealth.

The former president, who has maintained a visible but statesmanlike presence since leaving office in 2015, did not tie his message to any specific political context.

However, it arrives at a time when public scrutiny over corruption, sudden affluence, and political betrayal continues to dominate Nigeria’s discourse.

While Jonathan has stayed largely out of partisan politics in recent years, his occasional public remarks often carry philosophical weight, fuelling debates among citizens and political observers alike.

Some commenters on the post praised Jonathan for his wisdom, noting that the quote echoes the biblical and moral principle that “power reveals true intent.”

Others saw it as a veiled critique of current political elites and the ease with which material gain can compromise ideals.

As Nigeria inches toward the 2027 general elections, statements like these are likely to draw even more attention—particularly given renewed calls from fringe supporters urging Jonathan to consider a return to Aso Rock.

So far, the former president has not declared any such intention.